Spirit Magazine - May 2013 - (Page 78)

power that seemed supernatural. We knew those races were coming every week, but Dad always startled us when he fired up the engine to put it on the trailer for the race. My brothers and I knew nothing of racing outside of Minnesota, so his races may as well have been Nascar events. At the track, we would head to the back of the grandstand, where Not all tears are tears of sadness. Sometimes they come from pride and joy, and if I do believe there’s a tonic for the soul, it is that feeling. two massive trees stood 20 yards apart. After a heated debate over who was going to be No. 26, we ran Your weekend adventure. An escape from the nine to five. Where emails are set aside, memories are captured, and exploration is rekindled. Leading you toward hidden gems, new favorites, sights that paint a picture and sounds that tell a story. Here’s to fun, discovery and freedom. At a place that makes it all possible. to plan your Omaha weekend our own 20-lap “hobby stock” footrace around those trees. Bumping was allowed, but anything too rough would earn a black flag out of the race—a ruling that was selfadministered because we were gentlemen, after all. Two things we always wanted but were never allowed to do: drive with Dad to the track and hang out in the pits during the race. After it was over, everyone was allowed into the pits, but not knowing what happened during the race gave it a mystical quality. To conjure a feeling of intense anticipation today, I need only remember what it was like waiting for those big wooden doors to open. One night we approached a chaotic scene in the car stall where my dad parked his truck and trailer. Something was wrong, and tensions were high. A fight? No. Someone badly hurt? Worse. Dad’s racecar had been “claimed.” An arcane and rarely practiced rule of racing in those days said if you won a race, another driver could claim your car for $150. In return, you would get his car, which was presumed to be a piece of crap. It speaks to the enduring power of human emotion that here and now, some 30 years later, my eyes fill with tears when I recall that day. My brothers and I quietly sobbed as we watched that dirty dog Gene Kreuger drive off with our beloved No. 26. Hate is a strong word, but that’s what I felt that night. And what did we get in exchange? A pink car with a plain white “X2” painted on its doors. http://www.visitomaha.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - May 2013

Spirit Magazine - May 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Break out of the martini mold
Get cozy in Colorado
The Numbers
Watch your back for ninjas
Discover a secret strength
Learn a key to longevity
Wise Guide
Think like a lady
Business
Pick up a trick from Penn Jillette
Cross time zones with confidence
The Great American Vacation
Plan your next great escape
The Summer Wins
Dear Matthew, Joshua, & Noah...
Your Adventure In Orlando
Life Adventure In Orlando
Promotional Series: Spirit of California
Promotional Series: Spirit of New Mexico
Calendar
Fun!
Make a May flower
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Route Map
Terminal Maps
Rapid Rewards Partners
Flight Service
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - May 2013